You've taken the initiative to start a tile flooring installation business; you have good installers and a keen business instinct: Now all you need is to locate a few tile suppliers, then you can go out and get your customers.

Homeowners are concerned not just with the look of their homes, but with the cost involved in remodeling them. A tile floor can be a less-costly alternative to installing wood floors, but it can also be much more expensive if higher-end tiles are picked. Before you get started, take the time to think about a few things:

1. Consider what tile and stone floor manufacturers have to offer for the most remodeled room in the house: the kitchen.

2. Think about your bottom line. Using products from a discount tile floor provider can save both you and your customers some money.

3. Know which types of tile flooring are environmentally friendly. Homeowners are more conscious of using sustainable resources these days.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Install the tried-and-true ceramic tile floor

There are so many advantages to using ceramic tile. It's water-proof, relatively inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors. This is what many homeowners have in their homes because it's so easy to maintain.

I recommend: Browse through the product galleries at the reputable Mohawk Industries. Check out the selections of residential tile at American Olean.

Offer durable travertine tile flooring

Travertine is actually made from limestone and dates back to ancient times. The downside to travertine is that it is porous and must be sealed before it can be used. Make sure to instruct your customers on how to properly care for the product after installation.

I recommend: Locate the size of tile you're looking for at Arizona Tile. Order by the pallet or the container at Wholesale Travertine.

Find a marble tile floor provider for your high-end customers

Marble gives a look of elegance to a home. There are many colors to choose from, and since these stones are natural, each one has its own unique swirls and textures.

I recommend: Try out StoneLocator.com for a wide variety of marble tiles. Provide homeowners with a huge selection of beautiful marble tiles from BuildDirect.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your customers are interested in using environmentally-friendly building products, offer them cork tile floor information. Cork is harvested from the bark of trees and is then ground up and coated with a resin binder. New cork can be harvested from the same tree about every ten years.
• •  You might consider making a tile floor list that includes each type of tile you can offer your clients. If you assemble this list, complete with pictures and the pros and cons of each type of material, it will help your customers decide what they want and will reduce the amount of time you spend on consulting.